3x3 World Cup Calling for NBL Stars

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

NBL mainstays Mitch McCarron, Todd Blanchfield, Daniel Johnson and Lucas Walker will headline a stacked Australian squad at this year's FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

The World Cup will tip off in Vienna this month, with Australia qualifying in both the men’s (17) and women’s (19) competition. The event will run from May 30 – June 4 and both teams face fierce opponents in their opening games.

The Australian 3x3 teams, known as the ‘Gangurrus’, which is the Indigenous word for kangaroo, will compete against the best teams in the world following their qualification at the Men’s Asia Cup in 2022 and the Women’s Qualifier Event in Israel last month.

The women's team is made up of Anneli Maley, Lauren Mansfield, Ally Wilson, Marena Whittle and Emma Clarke.

Adelaide 36ers superstar McCarron is an exciting addition to the team with his international experience and basketball IQ, while Maley comes fresh from the WNBA and is always match ready for 3x3 duties.

There’s no greater honour than pulling on the green and gold to represent Australia, and both Maley and Johnson are looking forward to suiting up.

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“I can’t wait to be with my 3x3 family at the World Cup. Sometimes, as one door closes, another one opens and for me, to be able to represent my country with the Gangurrus means more than anything I can put into words,” Maley said.

Johnson echoed Maley’s sentiments.

“I’m extremely grateful to be given another opportunity to represent Australia at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. I’m looking forward to getting to Austria and competing against the best teams in the world," Johnson said.

“We have been building toward this tournament for a while now and have great expectations of what our team is capable of achieving.”

The teams will be coached by Dave Biwer (men) and Damon Lowery (women), both experienced and passionate about the 3x3 format.

“It’s an understatement saying we can wait for the first “check ball” in Vienna,” Biwer said.

“Most of the team has had some preparations with 3x3 camps and an Asia Cup tournament last month, so we are heading into this with high expectations.

“3x3 is building momentum here, with all the talent putting their hands up for selection, once our experience levels begin to compare to that of the European countries, I’m confident we will be amongst the top teams in the world – both men and women.”

Lowery said he and the team are looking forward to the challenge.

“Anytime we get the opportunity to represent Australia, we’re fired up. I couldn’t be happier with the way the team have been playing, with spirit, enthusiasm, and tremendous unselfishness,” Lowery said.

“It’s going to be incredibly difficult over there and that’s just how we like it, we look forward to battling it out withe best in the world.”

3x3 Men’s Team

Daniel Johnson

Mitch McCarron

Andrew Steel

Lucas Walker

Todd Blanchfield

3x3 Women’s Team

Anneli Maley

Lauren Mansfield

Alex Wilson

Marena Whittle